GitHub vs Snyk: What are the differences?

Key Differences between GitHub and Snyk

1. Integration with Development Workflow: GitHub is a web-based version control platform that enables developers to collaborate and manage their code. It provides a complete code development and management environment, allowing users to create repositories, collaborate on projects, and track changes made to the codebase. On the other hand, Snyk is primarily focused on security and vulnerability management. It integrates with the existing development workflow and provides automated security testing and monitoring to help developers identify and fix vulnerabilities in their code.

2. Scope and Purpose: GitHub is primarily used as a code repository and collaboration platform, allowing developers to work on code together and manage the versioning and history of their projects. It provides features like pull requests, issue tracking, and project management tools. Snyk, on the other hand, specifically focuses on identifying and fixing security vulnerabilities in software dependencies and container images. It provides automated vulnerability scanning, remediation advice, and developer-friendly workflows for fixing vulnerabilities.

3. Vulnerability Detection and Monitoring: GitHub provides basic vulnerability scanning through its Dependabot security alerts feature. It alerts developers about any known vulnerabilities in their project dependencies. However, Snyk provides more comprehensive vulnerability detection and monitoring capabilities. It offers advanced vulnerability databases and continuous monitoring for both open source and proprietary code. It can detect vulnerabilities not only in dependencies but also in container images, giving developers a more complete view of potential security threats.

4. Remediation Advice and Fixes: When a vulnerability is detected, GitHub provides information about the affected dependency and suggests possible solutions or fixes through its security alerts. However, Snyk goes a step further by providing extensive remediation advice and fixes. It offers actionable recommendations on how to remediate vulnerabilities, including code changes and version upgrades. Snyk also provides pull requests and automated fixes for certain vulnerabilities, making it easier for developers to apply the necessary patches.

5. Developer-Focused Workflow: GitHub provides a developer-friendly workflow with features like pull requests, code review tools, and project management functionalities. It is designed to facilitate collaboration and code contribution among developers. Snyk, on the other hand, focuses on providing developers with a streamlined and integrated security workflow. It integrates with popular development tools and CI/CD pipelines, enabling developers to easily incorporate security testing and remediation into their existing processes.

6. Open Source and Pricing: GitHub offers free hosting for public repositories and a range of paid plans for private repositories. It also provides free access to its basic security features, including vulnerability alerts. Snyk offers a free tier for open source projects, allowing developers to scan and monitor vulnerabilities in their open source dependencies. However, for private repositories and additional features like detailed vulnerability reports and fix PRs, Snyk offers different pricing tiers.

In Summary, GitHub provides a comprehensive code development and management platform, while Snyk focuses specifically on vulnerability detection, monitoring, and remediation in software dependencies and container images.